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Meet Caroline — a volunteer who serves with heart, consistency, and a deep belief in the power of community. Whether she’s organizing essentials at the resource center or being a trusted buddy to kids in childcare, Caroline shows up with compassion and care. In her words, here’s what it’s like to be part of the village at Foster Village.

How did you get connected to Foster Village?

I got connected to Foster Village through my mom, who had been volunteering there for a few months. She spoke so highly of the experience and encouraged me to get involved, and I’m really glad I did.

What does a typical volunteer day look like for you?

A typical volunteer day for me depends on which role I’m serving in. I volunteer both at the resource center and with childcare. At the resource center, I help with unboxing packages, inventorying items, and organizing everything from clothing to essentials across the main house and the HUB. I also help keep things clean and tidy, put together cute outfit bundles for kids, write thank-you notes, and pack goodie bags for families.

When I’m serving with childcare, I focus on being a positive and supportive presence for the kids. I play with them, talk and listen to them, help them navigate interactions, and come up with fun activities. My goal is to be a buddy they can trust and feel comfortable with.

Why did you decide to jump in at Foster Village?

I decided to jump in at Foster Village because I really believe in what they stand for. I think the foster care system is a deep and difficult system, and Foster Village stands out because of their mission to not only support foster families but to create a community that surrounds them with hope and care. They believe in coming alongside caregivers and children in a way that helps them feel seen, supported, and valued, which is something I deeply admire and wanted to be part of.

I also love spending time with kids, especially helping them work through their emotions and experiences and being someone they can count on. Making a difference in people’s lives brings me so much joy. I also enjoy connecting with the other volunteers and hearing their stories, as well as getting to know the amazing foster kids and families we serve.

Can you share a meaningful moment from your time volunteering?

One moment that really stuck with me was the first time a little girl I’d been working with gave me a hug. I had been spending time with her every few Saturdays for months, and at first, it was really hard to connect. She was hesitant around me, and I wasn’t always sure how to help her through the challenges she was facing.

But over time, I started to understand how to best support her — how to show up in a way that felt safe and consistent. With the help of her amazing foster parents and the incredible Foster Village community, I watched her slowly begin to grow and open up. Her growth has been incredible, not just emotionally, but in how she handles tough situations.

A month or two ago, she gave me a long, tight hug and said, “I love you.” She wouldn’t let go for a few minutes. That moment truly touched my heart and reminded me why I do this. It’s those small but powerful breakthroughs that mean everything.

What have you learned from your time at Foster Village?

By volunteering and being connected at Foster Village, I’ve learned so much about empathy, patience, and the power of showing up for others. Seeing the kids grow brings me so much joy. It’s amazing to watch their personalities shine and their confidence build over time. Learning about their experiences has also been incredibly humbling. It’s taught me how important it is to listen with compassion and be a steady, encouraging presence.

It’s also helped me grow personally. I’ve been reminded to be grateful, more understanding, and to always be kind.

Anything else you’d like to share about your experience?

Volunteering at Foster Village has been one of the most fulfilling things I’ve ever done. I truly believe God led me here to be a part of this wonderful community. I moved here from Illinois about four years ago, and being a part of Foster Village and being able to serve families and children who are going through so much has given me a deeper sense of purpose, compassion, and, most importantly, belonging. It’s reminded me how powerful community can be when people come together to love, support, and uplift one another. I’m so grateful to be a part of that.

At Foster Village, volunteers make this mission possible. You are the hands and hearts that wrap around children and caregivers with essentials, connection, and hope.

If you’re looking for a meaningful way to support families in the child welfare system, there’s a place for you in the village. Learn more today!